Training Plans

PRACTICAL STEPS TO HELPING YOUR PET SUCCEED IN THE PRACTICE

Helping your dog to confidently perform a few discrete behaviors in the veterinary clinic can make your appointment much more smooth and can reduce your pet’s stress, improving their ability to receive care without becoming defensive.

Here are some basic training plans for two foundational behaviors- getting on the scale and standing still. Each step is a version of the final behavior that you can praise and reward. Start at the top of the list and let your pet advance as quickly through the steps as they can without getting confused or frustrated. Reward frequently for a short period of time (5-10 minutes) then take a break.

  • Reward your dog for:

    -Looking at the scale

    -Shifting their weight toward the scale

    -Stepping toward the scale

    -Touching the scale with their nose

    -Stepping on the scale with one foot

    -Stepping on the scale with two feet

    -Stepping on the scale with three feet

    -Stepping on the scale with all feet for one second

    -Stepping on the scale with all feet for two seconds

    -Stepping on the scale with all feet for three seconds

    -Stepping on the scale with all feet for five seconds

    Five seconds of still behavior while on the scale is typically all that is needed to get an accurate weight.

    You can practice this in small sessions in a pet store that has a scale or with any sturdy raised platform you can create at home.

  • Most people never teach their dog that we value the standing position, they only acknowledge when their dog sits or lays down.

    Start off with a few treats to lure your dog in a standing position.

    While they’re still standing, feed a small treat every 3-5 seconds.

    If they sit or lay down, toss a piece of food out of reach to reset them.

    Once they’re staying standing for 5-10 treats in a row.